Category: Beyond

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Gold rises to ₹1,48,270, silver falls to ₹2,44,900

Gold prices in India witnessed a marginal rise on March 31, while silver prices declined slightly, indicating a mixed trend in the domestic bullion market amid ongoing volatility.

According to market data, the price of 24-carat gold increased by ₹10, taking it to around ₹1,48,270 per 10 grams. Meanwhile, silver prices slipped by ₹100, with the metal trading near ₹2,44,900 per kilogram.

The movement reflects a cautious market environment, where prices are showing only minor fluctuations after a period of sharp swings earlier in March. Analysts note that such small changes suggest a phase of consolidation, as investors remain uncertain about the direction of global economic indicators and interest rates.

Across major cities, gold rates continue to vary slightly depending on local taxes and demand. Prices for both 22-carat and 24-carat gold remain broadly aligned across metropolitan centres like Delhi and Mumbai, with only marginal differences.

The recent trend follows a turbulent month for precious metals. Gold and silver have experienced significant corrections in March, with both metals witnessing notable declines before attempting a mild recovery.

Market experts attribute the volatility to multiple global factors, including shifting expectations around interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuations in the US dollar. Higher interest rates typically reduce the appeal of non-yielding assets like gold, while geopolitical uncertainty tends to support safe-haven demand.

Despite the recent dip, demand for gold in India remains steady, particularly from retail buyers and jewellers. Seasonal factors such as the upcoming wedding period and expectations of future price increases continue to support buying interest.

Also Read: Rupee breaches 95 against dollar

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Rupee breaches 95 against dollar

Rupee came under fresh pressure on March 30, 2026, slipping past the 95-per-dollar mark for the first time as rising tensions in West Asia rattled global markets and pushed up crude oil prices.

The sharp fall reflects growing nervousness among investors as the conflict in the Middle East shows no signs of easing. Higher crude prices have added to the strain, with India, one of the world’s largest oil importers, facing increased demand for dollars to pay for energy imports. This has put the rupee on the back foot.

The currency, however, recovered slightly later in the day, aided by intervention measures and market adjustments. Still, traders say volatility remains high and sentiment fragile.

Another factor weighing on the rupee is the steady outflow of foreign funds from Indian equities. As global investors turn cautious, capital has been moving out of emerging markets like India, further weakening the local currency.

The Reserve Bank of India has stepped in with measures to stabilise the forex market, including tightening rules around banks’ currency positions. While these steps offered temporary relief, their impact has been limited as global pressures continue to dominate.

Amid the turbulence, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman sought to calm concerns, saying the Indian economy is on a “firm footing.” She noted that the rupee’s movement is in line with global trends and that it has held up better than several other Asian currencies facing similar challenges.

Also Read: Airlines must give 60% seats free from April 20

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Anil Ambani sues Arnab Goswami, Republic TV

Industrialist Anil Ambani has filed a defamation case against journalist Arnab Goswami and his news channel Republic TV in the Bombay High Court, claiming that certain broadcasts harmed his personal reputation and business interests. Ambani is seeking ₹10,000 crore in damages, making it one of the largest defamation suits in recent years.

The suit alleges that Republic TV aired multiple reports portraying Ambani and his companies in a negative light, suggesting financial instability and wrongdoing without proper verification. Ambani’s legal team says the coverage went beyond legitimate journalism and caused significant harm to his public image.

The lawsuit names both Arnab Goswami and Republic TV as defendants. Ambani claims the allegedly defamatory content was repeatedly broadcast and reached a wide audience, amplifying its damaging effects. The petition also requests that the court issue orders preventing Republic TV from airing further material deemed defamatory until the matter is resolved.

Ambani’s lawyers contend that the channel violated journalistic standards and ethics by presenting unverified claims as facts. They argue that such reporting amounts to irresponsible media behaviour and undermines the credibility of both the media and the individuals targeted.

Republic TV has not yet filed a formal response in court. Legal experts note that the channel may defend its coverage as fair comment on matters of public interest. Defamation cases involving public figures often balance freedom of the press with the protection of individual reputation, and this case is expected to explore those issues in detail.

In India, courts require plaintiffs in defamation cases to show that statements were false, caused harm, and were made with negligence or malice. Ambani’s substantial claim reflects both alleged financial losses and the importance he places on restoring his public image.

The Bombay High Court will now review the petition and consider interim reliefs, which could limit Republic TV’s reporting on Ambani while the case proceeds. Both sides are expected to debate the limits of media freedom versus individual reputation rights.

Also Read: 12 tonnes of KitKat stolen in Europe transit

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12 tonnes of KitKat stolen in Europe transit

In an unusual theft, about 12 tonnes of KitKat chocolate bars were stolen in Europe while being transported from Italy to Poland. The shipment, owned by Nestlé, contained nearly 4.13 lakh chocolate bars and is still missing.

The incident happened when a truck carrying the chocolates left a factory in Italy for delivery. During the journey, the truck disappeared, and both the vehicle and its cargo have not been traced so far. Authorities are investigating the case to find out what happened and recover the stolen goods.

The stolen chocolates were part of a special range of KitKat bars, including limited-edition products. This has made the loss more significant for the company.

Nestlé responded to the incident with a mix of humour and concern. In a light-hearted remark, the company said it “appreciates the criminals’ exceptional taste.” At the same time, it raised a serious issue, pointing out that cargo theft is becoming more common and better organised across transport networks.

Despite the theft, Nestlé has assured customers that there is no risk to consumer safety. The company also said that the overall supply of KitKat chocolates in the market will not be affected by this incident.

To prevent misuse of the stolen products, Nestlé warned that the chocolates could appear in unofficial or illegal markets. Each KitKat bar has a unique batch code, which can help identify whether it belongs to the stolen shipment. The company has advised retailers and consumers to stay alert and report any suspicious products.

Nestlé is working closely with police and supply chain partners to investigate the theft and recover the missing chocolates.

Also Read: Vedanta plans major split into five firms

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Airlines must give 60% seats free from April 20

In a big relief for air travellers, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has ordered airlines to provide at least 60% of seats on every flight free of cost from April 20, 2026.

This means passengers will not have to pay extra to select many of the seats while booking tickets. Until now, airlines were offering only a small number of seats for free, and most passengers had to pay additional charges to choose seats like window or aisle.

The new rule aims to reduce these extra costs and make ticket pricing clearer for travellers. Many passengers had complained that airlines were adding high seat selection fees, making flights more expensive than expected.

Under the new guideline, more than half of the seats on a flight must be available without any extra charge. However, airlines can still charge for certain premium seats, such as those with extra legroom or special locations.

The DGCA has also asked airlines to make sure that passengers travelling on the same booking are seated together as much as possible. This will help families and groups avoid paying extra money just to sit next to each other.

Another important part of the rule is transparency. Airlines must clearly show all optional charges, including seat selection fees, during ticket booking. This will help passengers understand the total cost before making a payment.

Airlines, however, are not fully happy with this decision. They say that seat selection fees are an important source of income. With fewer paid seats, airlines may try to recover the loss by increasing basic ticket prices in the future.

Experts believe the move will benefit passengers immediately by lowering hidden costs. But they also warn that ticket prices could change depending on how airlines adjust to the new rule.

Also Read: RBI makes digital payments safer from April 1

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RBI makes digital payments safer from April 1

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to introduce new rules for digital payments from April 1, 2026, making online transactions more secure for users across the country.

Under the updated guidelines, all digital payments, whether through UPI, debit cards, credit cards, or internet banking, will now require two-factor authentication (2FA). Simply entering a one-time password (OTP) will no longer be enough to complete a transaction. Users will need to verify payments using an additional step, such as a PIN, password, or biometric method like a fingerprint or face scan.

The idea behind this change is simple: add an extra layer of protection. With online fraud cases rising alongside the rapid growth of digital payments, the RBI wants to ensure that transactions are safer and harder for fraudsters to misuse.

The new system is designed to be both secure and user-friendly. For smaller or routine payments made from trusted devices, the process may remain quick and smooth. However, for larger or unusual transactions, users might be asked to complete extra verification steps. This risk-based approach aims to balance convenience with safety.

The changes will also affect recurring payments such as subscriptions and automatic bill payments. Users may be required to re-confirm these transactions from time to time to ensure they are still authorised.

Banks and digital payment platforms have already been instructed to upgrade their systems to meet the new requirements. Many are expected to introduce more advanced features like device-based authentication and biometric verification to make the process seamless.

Also Read: Airtel, Tata told to clear AGR dues

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Gold falls to ₹1,48,080, Silver drops to ₹2,44,900

Prices of precious metals declined slightly in the domestic market on Monday. Gold prices fell by ₹10 to ₹1,48,080 per 10 grams in the national capital, continuing the recent trend of mild corrections. Meanwhile, silver prices dropped more sharply by ₹100 to ₹2,44,900 per kilogram, reflecting a broader weakness in the precious metals segment.

The decline in prices is largely attributed to softening international rates. In global markets, gold traded lower as the US dollar strengthened, making the metal less attractive for investors holding other currencies. Additionally, easing demand for safe-haven assets contributed to the downward pressure on prices.

Market analysts noted that recent volatility in global markets, including fluctuations in bond yields and currency movements, has impacted investor sentiment towards precious metals. While geopolitical tensions typically support gold prices, current trends indicate some profit booking by investors after earlier gains.

Silver, which often tracks both industrial demand and investment trends, also witnessed a dip. Weakness in industrial demand outlook, coupled with global uncertainty, weighed on the metal’s performance.

Despite the fall, experts suggest that prices remain at relatively elevated levels compared to historical averages. The recent correction is seen as part of a broader consolidation phase rather than a sharp downturn.

In the domestic market, jewellers reported moderate demand, with buyers remaining cautious amid price fluctuations. Seasonal demand has also been relatively muted, contributing to limited support for prices.

Looking ahead, market participants are expected to closely monitor global economic indicators, including inflation data and central bank policies, which could influence the direction of gold and silver prices. Currency movements, particularly the strength of the US dollar, will also play a crucial role.

Also Read: Sensex drops over 1,000 points, Nifty slips below 22,500

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India approves ₹2.38 lakh cr defence boost

India has approved a massive defence upgrade worth about ₹2.38 lakh crore, in one of the biggest military modernisation moves in recent years. The decision was taken by the Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, with a focus on strengthening the country’s preparedness across air, land and strategic operations.

A key highlight of the package is the approval to acquire five more S-400 missile systems from Russia. These long-range air defence systems are considered among the most advanced in the world, capable of detecting and destroying enemy aircraft, drones and missile threats from long distances. The addition is expected to significantly boost India’s air defence shield.

The plan also includes the purchase of strike drones, or unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), which can carry out precision attacks without putting pilots at risk. These drones are becoming increasingly important in modern warfare, offering flexibility and quick response during operations.

Another major component is the procurement of medium transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force. These aircraft will gradually replace older fleets and improve the military’s ability to move troops, equipment and supplies quickly across the country, especially during emergencies or conflict situations.

Alongside foreign purchases, the government has also emphasised indigenous manufacturing. Approvals include artillery systems like the Dhanush gun and upgrades to existing platforms, supporting India’s push for self-reliance in defence production.

Also Read: Centre to borrow ₹8.2 lakh cr in 1st half of FY27

 

 

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Centre to borrow ₹8.2 lakh cr in 1st half of FY27

The Government of India will borrow ₹8.2 lakh crore from the market during the first half of the 2026‑27 fiscal year (April–September) to meet its fiscal needs. This accounts for roughly half of the total annual borrowing target of ₹16 lakh crore announced in the Budget.

The funds will be raised through government bonds of varying maturities, issued via 26 weekly auctions conducted with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Spreading borrowings across weekly auctions is intended to maintain stability in the debt market and reduce pressure on interest rates.

About 25 percent of the borrowing will come from long-term bonds, with maturities ranging up to 30–50 years. This approach is designed to secure long-term funding at stable rates and manage debt repayment schedules effectively.

In addition to traditional bonds, the government plans to raise ₹15,000 crore through Sovereign Green Bonds. These bonds will finance environmentally sustainable projects and support India’s climate action and green infrastructure initiatives.

The borrowing plan is part of the government’s broader fiscal framework for FY27, aimed at balancing the fiscal deficit while funding essential public services, infrastructure, and other budget priorities. Borrowings are necessary even after accounting for revenues, small savings contributions, and other financing sources.

Also Read: Apple to invest $400 million to boost US manufacturing

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Trump’s signature to appear on US currency

In a notable policy shift, the United States Treasury has approved a change in currency design that will introduce Donald Trump’s signature on new US banknotes, replacing the long-standing inclusion of the US Treasurer’s signature.

The decision marks the end of a 165-year-old convention, under which US currency carried the signatures of both the Treasury Secretary and the Treasurer. Going forward, new notes will feature the signature of the President alongside that of the Treasury Secretary, reflecting a significant departure from established practice.

The rollout is expected to begin with the $100 bill from June 2026, with other denominations to follow in phases. Existing currency will continue to remain legal tender and circulate alongside the newly issued notes, ensuring no immediate disruption to the financial system.

Officials have positioned the move as part of a broader symbolic refresh tied to the 250th anniversary of US independence, framing it as a design evolution rather than a structural change. Importantly, the update does not alter any functional or security features of the currency.

From a market and institutional perspective, the impact is expected to be limited. Analysts note that the change is largely cosmetic and does not affect monetary policy, currency valuation, or the role of the US dollar in global markets. However, it does signal a shift in how national identity is reflected in financial instruments.

The decision has generated mixed reactions. Supporters view it as a modernisation step aligned with national milestones, while critics argue it breaks with long-standing institutional norms designed to keep currency design politically neutral.

Also Read: Petrol duty reduced to ₹3, diesel to zero